Bone fusion device, apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/571,265, filed on Aug. 9, 2012 and entitled “BONE FUSION DEVICE, APPARATUS AND METHOD” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/521,681, filed Aug. 9, 2011, and entitled “BONE FUSION DEVICE, APPARATUS AND METHOD,” which are both hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to bone fusion devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices for fusing vertebrae of the spine or other bones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The spinal column is made up of vertebrae stacked on top of one another. Between the vertebrae are discs which are gel-like cushions that act as shock-absorbers and keep the spine flexible. Injury, disease, or excessive pressure on the discs can cause degenerative disc disease or other disorders where the disc becomes thinner and allows the vertebrae to move closer together or become misaligned. Similarly, vertebrae are able to weaken due to impact or disease reducing their ability to properly distribute forces on the spine. As a result, nerves may become pinched, causing pain that radiates into other parts of the body, or instability of the vertebrae may ensue.

One method for correcting disc and/or vertebrae-related disorders is to insert a fusion cage as a replacement for and/or in between the vertebrae to act as a structural replacement for the deteriorated disc and/or vertebrae. The fusion cage is typically a hollow metal device usually made of titanium. Once inserted, the fusion cage maintains the proper separation between the vertebrae to prevent nerves from being pinched and provides structural stability to the spine. Also, the inside of the cage is filled with bone graft material which eventually fuses permanently with the adjacent vertebrae into a single unit. However, it is difficult to retain this bone graft material in the cage and in the proper positions to stimulate bone growth.

The use of fusion cages for fusion and stabilization of vertebrae in the spine is known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,740 to Ray, et al. entitled, “V-Thread Fusion Cage and Method of Fusing a Bone Joint,” discloses a fusion cage with a threaded outer surface, where the crown of the thread is sharp and cuts into the bone. Perforations are provided in valleys between adjacent turns of the thread. The cage can be screwed into a threaded bore provided in the bone structure at the surgical site and then packed with bone chips which promote fusion.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,247 to Michelson entitled, “Threaded Spinal Implant,” discloses a fusion implant comprising a cylindrical member having a series of threads on the exterior of the cylindrical member for engaging the vertebrae to maintain the implant in place and a plurality of openings in the cylindrical surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,074 to Simpson entitled, “Anterior Lumbar Underbody Fusion Implant and Method For Fusing Adjacent Vertebrae,” discloses a one-piece spinal fusion implant comprising a hollow body having an access passage for insertion of bone graft material into the intervertebral space after the implant has been affixed to adjacent vertebrae. The implant provides a pair of screw-receiving passages that are oppositely inclined relative to a central plane. In one embodiment, the screw-receiving passages enable the head of an orthopaedic screw to be retained entirely within the access passage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,287 to Bagby entitled, “Self-tapping Interbody Bone Implant,” discloses a bone joining implant with a rigid, implantable base body having an outer surface with at least one bone bed engaging portion configured for engaging between a pair of bone bodies to be joined, wherein at least one spline is provided by the bone bed engaging portion, the spline being constructed and arranged to extend outwardly of the body and having an undercut portion.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,467 to Teitelbaum et al. entitled, “Expandable Fusion Cage,” discloses an expandable fusion cage where the surfaces of the cage have multiple portions cut out of the metal to form sharp barbs. As the cage is expanded, the sharp barbs protrude into the subcortical bone of the vertebrae to secure the cage in place. The cage is filled with bone or bone matrix material.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,550 to Sertich entitled, “Interbody Fusion Cage,” discloses a prosthetic device which includes an inert generally rectangularly shaped support body adapted to be seated on hard end plates of vertebrae. The support body has top and bottom faces. A first peg is movably mounted in a first aperture located in the support body, and the first aperture terminates at one of the top and bottom faces of the support body. Further, the first peg projects away from the one of the top and bottom faces and into an adjacent vertebra to secure the support body in place relative to the vertebra.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,436,140 to Liu et al. entitled, “Expandable Interbody Fusion Cage and Method for Insertion,” discloses an expandable hollow interbody fusion device, wherein the body is divided into a number of branches connected to one another at a fixed end and separated at an expandable end. The expandable cage may be inserted in its substantially cylindrical form and may be expanded by movement of an expansion member to establish lordosis of the spine. An expansion member interacts with the interior surfaces of the device to maintain the cage in the expanded condition and provide a large internal chamber for receiving bone in-growth material.

These patents all disclose fusion cage devices that can be inserted between vertebrae of the spine in an invasive surgical procedure. Such an invasive surgical procedure requires a long recovery period.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to a bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates having a central rib. The bone fusion device is able to be inserted between or replace the vertebrae by using an minimally invasive procedure. The bone fusion device comprises one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage. After the device has been positioned between the vertebrae, and the screw is rotated by the control mechanism to deliver the bone graft material and extend the plates. Two plates are extended upon rotating a rotating means wherein extending blocks travel up the screw pushing out the angled plates as the extending blocks approach the ends of the bone fusion device. The central rib of the plates provides increased support against torsional forces creating more stable contact with the bones. In some embodiments, a single plate is extended. Thus, the plates are able to be advantageously positioned in the confined space between the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.

One aspect of the present application is directed to a bone fusion system for inserting a bone fusion device into a desired location. The system comprises an insertion instrument comprising a coupling mechanism having a control mechanism and a plurality of fingers configured to move between a closed position wherein the fingers are close together to a spread position wherein the fingers are farther apart based on manipulation of the control mechanism and a bone fusion device having a body and one or more extendable tabs, wherein the body of the bone fusion device is detachably coupled to the insertion instrument by the coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, one or more of the fingers comprise a fingertip that protrudes laterally from the finger. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more surface channels configured to receive the fingers and positioned along an exterior surface of the body. In some embodiments, the body comprises a front end and an interior cavity, and further wherein the channels are accessible from the front end and extend through the a plane perpendicular to the front end. In some embodiments, each of the surface channels comprise a gripping aperture for receiving the fingertip of the fingers of the gripping apparatus positioned within the surface channels. In some embodiments, the bone fusion device further comprises a positioning element having a positioning aperture and positioned through the front end and within the interior cavity of the body, and further wherein the positioning element is mechanically coupled with the extendable tabs such that moving the positioning element causes the extendable tabs to move with respect to the body. In some embodiments, the surface channels are positioned along the exterior surface on a plane perpendicular to the positioning aperture of the positioning element such that the fingers of the gripping apparatus are able to enter the one or more surface channels by moving parallel to the plane. In some embodiments, the insertion instrument further comprises a drive mechanism configured to engage with and selectively rotate the positioning aperture when the insertion instrument is coupled to the bone fusion device. In some embodiments, the control mechanism is coupled with the drive mechanism such that the drive mechanism is able to be rotated by manipulating the control mechanism. In some embodiments, the insertion instrument is configured to prevent rotation of the drive mechanism if the fingers are not in the closed position. In some embodiments, the insertion instrument comprises a locking mechanism that when activated by a trigger prevents rotation of the drive mechanism until the locking mechanism is deactivated by the trigger. In some embodiments, the insertion instrument comprises an indicator that indicates data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the drive mechanism. In some embodiments, the data indicated by the indicator indicates the current position of the tabs relative to the body of the bone fusion device. In some embodiments, the indicator is adjustable such that the indicator will indicate different data corresponding to the same amount of rotation of the drive mechanism based on the bone fusion device currently coupled to the insertion instrument.

Another aspect of the present application is directed to a method of operation of the bone fusion system. The method comprises spreading fingers of an insertion instrument with a control mechanism of the insertion instrument, sliding the fingers of the insertion instrument into one or more surface channels of a bone fusion device and inserting a drive mechanism of the insertion instrument into the positioning aperture of a positioning element of the bone fusion device, contracting the fingers with the control mechanism such that fingertips of the fingers move into gripping apertures of the surface channels and the insertion instrument is detachably coupled with the bone fusion device and positioning the bone fusion device into a desired position with the insertion instrument. In some embodiments, the method further comprises extending one or more extendable tabs of the bone fusion device by manipulating the control mechanism of the insertion instrument, wherein the control mechanism is mechanically coupled with the drive mechanism. In some embodiments, the method further comprises spreading the fingers with the control mechanism such that the fingertips of the fingers move out of the gripping apertures of the surface channels and sliding the fingers out of the surface channels of the bone fusion device and removing the drive mechanism from within the positioning aperture. In some embodiments, controlling the spreading the fingers comprises pulling or pushing the control mechanism in or out of a shaft of the insertion instrument. In some embodiments, extending the extendable tabs comprises rotating the control mechanism with respect to the fingers of the insertion instrument. In some embodiments, the method further comprises displaying data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the drive mechanism with an indicator on the insertion instrument. In some embodiments, the data indicated by the indicator indicates the current position of the tabs relative to the body of the bone fusion device. In some embodiments, the indicator is adjustable such that the indicator will indicate different data corresponding to the same amount of rotation of the drive mechanism based on the bone fusion device currently coupled to the insertion instrument. In some embodiments, the surface channels are configured to receive the fingers and positioned along an exterior surface of the body. In some embodiments, the body comprises a front end and an interior cavity, and further wherein the surface channels are accessible from the front end and extend through the a plane perpendicular to the front end. In some embodiments, the positioning element is positioned through the front end and within the interior cavity of the body, and further wherein the positioning element is mechanically coupled with the extendable tabs such that moving the positioning element causes the extendable tabs to move with respect to the body. In some embodiments, the surface channels are positioned along the exterior surface of the body on a plane perpendicular to the positioning aperture of the positioning element such that the fingers of the gripping apparatus are able to slide into the one or more surface channels by moving parallel to the plane. In some embodiments, the insertion instrument is configured to prevent rotation of the drive mechanism if the fingers are not fully contracted. In some embodiments, the insertion instrument comprises a locking mechanism that when activated by a trigger prevents rotation of the drive mechanism until the locking mechanism is deactivated by the trigger.

Another aspect of the present application is directed to an insertion instrument for inserting a bone fusion device into a desired location. The instrument comprises an elongated body and a coupling mechanism partially housed by the body and having a control mechanism and a plurality of fingers, wherein the plurality of fingers are configured to move between a closed position wherein the fingers are close together to a spread position, wherein the fingers are farther apart based on manipulation of the control mechanism. In some embodiments, one or more of the fingers comprise a fingertip that protrudes laterally from the finger. In some embodiments, the instrument further comprises a drive mechanism mechanically coupled with the control mechanism and configured to rotate with respect to the body. In some embodiments, the control mechanism enables selective rotation of the drive mechanism. In some embodiments, the instrument further comprises a stopping mechanism that is configured to prevent rotation of the drive mechanism if the fingers are not in the closed position. In some embodiments, the instrument further comprises a locking mechanism that when activated by a trigger prevents rotation of the drive mechanism until the locking mechanism is deactivated by the trigger. In some embodiments, the instrument further comprises an indicator that indicates data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the drive mechanism. In some embodiments, the data indicated by the indicator indicates the current position of extendable tabs of a bone fusion device coupled to the insertion instrument relative to a body of the bone fusion device. In some embodiments, the indicator is adjustable such that the indicator will indicate different data corresponding to the same amount of rotation of the drive mechanism based on the bone fusion device currently coupled to the insertion instrument.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of the bone fusion device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top cutout view of the bone fusion device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the bone fusion device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of components of the bone fusion device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross sectional view of the bone fusion device with the plates compacted according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross sectional view of the bone fusion device with the plates extended according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a profile view of a bone fusion device having a single plate extension/retraction mechanism according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a bone fusion apparatus according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the insertion instrument according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8A illustrates a detailed top view of the coupling mechanism within the cover according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8B illustrates a detailed top view of a different coupling mechanism within the cover according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a finger according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method of operating a bone fusion apparatus according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bone fusion device having a rachet mechanism according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12A illustrates a cross sectional view of a bone fusion device having a lock mechanism according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12B illustrates a side view of a lock mechanism according to some embodiments

FIG. 13A illustrates a side cross sectional view of a bone fusion device having an oblong locking mechanism according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13B illustrates a frontal view of a body of the bone fusion device and the oblong locking mechanism according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13C illustrates a frontal view of a bone fusion device having an oblong locking mechanism in the unlocked position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13D illustrates a frontal view of a bone fusion device having an oblong locking mechanism in the locked position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13E illustrates a frontal view of a bone fusion device having an oblong locking mechanism in the unlocked position according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13F illustrates a frontal view of a bone fusion device having an oblong locking mechanism in the locked position according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details and alternatives are set forth for purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention can be practiced without the use of these specific details. For instance, the figures and description below often refer to the vertebral bones of a spinal column. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that some embodiments of the invention are practiced for the fusion of other bones, including broken bones and/or joints. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a top perspective and cutout view of the bone fusion device 100 according to some embodiments. As shown, the bone fusion device 100 has a substantially rectangular shape and has two end faces. The bone fusion device 100 is able to be constructed from a high strength biocompatible material, such as titanium, which has the strength to withstand compressive and shear forces in the spine that are generated by a patient's body weight and daily movements. Alternatively, part of all of the bone fusion device 100 is able to be constructed from one or more of the group consisting of high strength biocompatible material or a polymer such as PEEK, PEKK, and other polymeric materials know to be biocompatible and having sufficient strength. In some embodiments, the materials used to construct the bone fusion device include using additives, such as carbon fibers for better performance of the materials under various circumstances. The base biocompatible material is often textured or coated with a porous material conducive to the growth of new bone cells on the bone fusion device 100. The bone fusion device 100 has several conduits or holes 120 (also see FIG. 2) which permit the bone graft material to be inserted into the device 100 and to contact the vertebral bone before or after the device 100 has been inserted between the vertebrae of the patient. The bone graft material and the surface texturing of the device 100 encourage the growth and fusion of bone from the neighboring vertebrae. The fusion and healing process will result in the bone fusion device 100 aiding in the bridging of the bone between the two adjacent vertebral bodies of the spine which eventually fuse together during the healing period.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, plates 130 are located on opposing sides of the bone fusion device 100. The plates 130 are shaped so that their outer surface is substantially flush with the frame 114 of the bone fusion device 100 in a nonextended position. Internally, the plates 130 have a central rib 124 and an angled inner surface. Specifically, the central rib 124 is configured to provide further outer surface area and structural support to the plates 130. Further, each plate 130 is shaped such that one or more angled surfaces 123 of the plate 130 for extending the plate 130 have end thicknesses that are larger than their middle thicknesses such that the thickness of the angled surfaces 123 gradually increases while going from the middle to the ends of the plate 130. A positioning means 108 within the frame 114 of the bone fusion device 100 comprises a positioning aperture 134, a first screw 102 and a second screw 104 coupled together (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). The positioning aperture 134 is configured to receive a drive/engaging mechanism 808 of a tool 602 (see FIGS. 6 and 8) such that the tool 602 is able to rotate the positioning means 108. The positioning aperture 134 is able to comprise numerous shapes and sizes as are well known in the art. The first screw 102 is threaded opposite of the second screw 104. For example, if the first screw 102 is left threaded, the second screw 104 is right threaded or vice versa. Furthermore, the first screw 102 is of a slightly different size than the second screw 104. The positioning means 108 is coupled to a first extending block 110 and a second extending block 112, each having a pair of rib slots 126 configured to receive the central ribs 124 of the plates 130 (see FIG. 1B). Specifically, the rib slots 126 are sized such that they permit the central ribs 124 to slide into and out of the slots 126 (depending on the position of the blocks 110, 112) such that when positioned within the slots 126, the blocks 110, 112 are able to support the plates 130 against torsional forces by holding and supporting the central ribs 124.

Further, the first extending block 110 is coupled to the first screw 102 and the second extending block 112 is coupled to the second screw 104, and the first extending block 110 and the second extending block 112 are positioned in the middle of the bone fusion device 100 in the compact position. When the positioning means 108 is turned appropriately, the extending blocks 110 and 112 each travel outwardly on their respective screws 102 and 104. As the extending blocks 110 and 112 travel outwardly, they push the plates 130 outward and the central ribs 124 slide within the rib slots 126. In other words, the inner plate surface 123 when in contact with the extending blocks 110, 112 act in such a manner so as to push the respective plates 130 apart. Specifically, the angled surfaces 111 of each extending block 110, 112 are able to be in contact with the plate surfaces 123 and the center rib surface 121 is in contact with the extending block slot surface 125. Thus, the plates 130 will be fully extended when the extending blocks 110 and 112 reach the opposite ends of the screws 102, 104. To retract the plates 130, the positioning device 108 is turned in the opposite direction and the extending blocks 110 and 112 will each travel back to the middle on their respective screws 102 and 104 with the central ribs 124 within the rib slots 126. When the extending blocks 110 and 112 are positioned in the middle of the bone fusion device 100, the plates 130 are compact and are within the frame 114 of the bone fusion device 100. It is contemplated that the operation of the device 100 is able to be reversed such that the plates 130, extending blocks 110, 112, and positioning means 108 are configured such that the extending blocks 110, 112 travel inwardly to extend the plates 130 into the extended position and travel outwardly to retract the plates 130 into the compact position. In any case, the nonextended plates 130 of the bone fusion device 100 provide a compact assembly that is suitable for insertion into the patient's body through a open, or minimally invasive surgical procedure. As used herein, an open or a minimally invasive procedure comprises a procedure wherein a smaller surgical incision is employed as compared to the size of the incision required for conventional invasive surgery, for example arthroscopic procedures. Moreover, minimally invasive procedures minimize or eliminate the need for excessive retraction of a patient's tissues such as muscles and nerves, thereby minimizing trauma and injury to the muscles and nerves and further reducing the patient's recovery time.

As the positioning means 108 is rotated causing the extending blocks 110 and 112 to move closer to the ends of the respective screws 102 and 104, the extending blocks 110 and 112 push the plates 130 outward causing the plates 130 to assert pressure against surrounding bones and securing the bone fusion device 100 in place. When the extending blocks 110 and 112 reach as close to the end of the positioning means 108 as allowed, the plates 130 are fully extended. Furthermore, since the extending blocks 110 and 112 travel along the positioning means 108, along the threads of the screws 102 and 104, very precise positions of the plates 130 are able to be achieved. The plates 130 are able to have serrated edges or teeth 136 to further increase the bone fusion device's gripping ability and therefore ability to be secured in place between the bones for both a long-term purchase and a short-term purchase. In some embodiments, the serrated edges or teeth 136 are able to be in a triangular or form a triangular wave formation as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the serrated edges or teeth 136 are able to be filleted, chamfered, or comprise other teeth shapes or edge waves as are well known in the art.

To secure the bone fusion device 100 in place, a user generally utilizes an insertion instrument such as a screw driver to turn the positioning means 108. Screw drivers unfortunately have the ability to slip out of place. When performing surgery near someone's spine, it is preferable to prevent or at least minimize the slipping ability. Further, it is necessary to ensure that the surgeon is able to precisely place and control the device via a robust connection to the device. To do so, channels 122 having gripping apertures 128 are implemented to receive gripping fingers 802 (see FIG. 8) coupled to a tool/insertion instrument 602 (See FIG. 6) such that the tool 602 cannot slip out of place during operation. Specifically, the channels 122 are sized to receive the fingers 802 to prevent the tool 602 from moving laterally with respect to the head of the positioning means 108 and the gripping apertures 128 are sized to receive the fingertips 904 (see FIG. 9) of the tool 602 such that the fingers 802 (and tool 602) are unable to unintentionally be pulled out of the channels 122 (and positioning means 108). In some embodiments, the channels 122 are offset such that when facing the positioning aperture 134, one channel 122 is proximate the top left of the device 100 and the other channel 122 is proximate the bottom right of the device 100. Alternatively, the channels 122 are able to positioned on other portions of the frame 114. In operation, as described below in relation to FIGS. 6-10, a surgeon causes the fingers 802 of the tool 602 to spread as they are inserted into the channels 122 and then the surgeon causes the fingers 802 to clamp together inserting the fingertips 904 into the gripping apertures 128 and fully securing the tool 602 onto the device 100. Thus, the tool 602 is unable to slip out of place and is only able to be removed upon the spreading of the fingers 802 such that the fingertips 904 are removed from the apertures 128 and the fingers 802 are removed from the channels 122. Furthermore, if the device 100 is next to relatively immovable tissue (e.g. bone, ligament or tendon under load), then this device 100 will still be able to disengage, whereas one that relies on clamping by bending two rods together will not work if one of the rods is restricted by the relatively immovable tissue.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the bone fusion device 100 according to some embodiments. The bone fusion device 100 utilizes the positioning means 108 comprising the first screw 102 and the second screw 104 to move the first extending block 110 and the second extending block 112 outwardly from the middle of the bone fusion device 100 towards its ends. The positioning means 108 is held in place but permitted to turn utilizing one or more first pins 116. The one or more first pins 116 are secured within a retaining groove 106 (FIG. 3) of the positioning means 108. The extending blocks 110 and 112 force the plates 130 to either extend or retract depending on where the extending blocks 110 and 112 are positioned. As described above, the plates 130 are able to have serrated edges or teeth 136 to further increase gripping ability. The plates 130 are each coupled to the frame 114 of the bone fusion device 100 by one or more pin slots 132 (FIGS. 3 and 4A) and one or more second pins 118 wherein the one or more second pins 118 fit within the one or more pin slots 132 and are able to travel along the interior of the one or more pin slots 132. In some embodiments, each plate 130 is secured with a single second pin 118 and pin slot 132. Alternatively, one or more of the plates 130 are able to have multiple second pins 118 and pin slots 132. In some embodiments, the multiple pin slots 132 are able to be positioned at the corners of the plates 130 similar to the single pin slot 132 shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the multiple pin slots 132 of plates 130 are symmetric such that any plate 130 is able to be placed on the top or bottom of the bone fusion device 100. Alternatively, the pin slots 132 of the plates 130 are able to be positioned anywhere on the plate 130 and/or be positioned asymmetrically. The holes/conduits 120 within the plates 130 allow the bone graft material to contact the vertebral bone after the device 100 has been inserted between the vertebrae of the patient. A set of holes/conduits 120 within the frame 114 also allow bone graft material to be inserted within the bone fusion device 100 after the bone fusion device 100 has been placed. The channels 122 having gripping apertures 128 implemented to receive a tool are shown as well. Alternatively, the gripping apertures 128 are able to be omitted.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of components of the bone fusion device 100 according to some embodiments. As described above, the positioning means 108 comprises a first screw 102 and a second screw 104 wherein the first screw 102 is threaded differently than that of the second screw 104. Furthermore, the first screw 102 is of a slightly different size than the second screw 104. For example, in some embodiments the first screw 102 is an 8-32 screw and the second screw is a 6-32 screw. A retaining groove 106 is utilized to secure the positioning means 108 in place. In some embodiments, the retaining groove 106 is positioned opposite the end of the positioning means 108 having the positioning aperture 134. To ensure that the tool does not slip while turning the positioning means 108, the channels 122 having fingertip gripping apertures 128 are utilized to secure the tool as described above. Alternatively, the fingertip gripping apertures 128 are able to be omitted and the channels 122 are able to secure the tool as described above. A first extending block 110 and a second extending block 112 are utilized with the positioning means 108 to extend and compact one or more of plates 130. The first extending block 110 has an internal opening and threading to fit around the first screw 102. The second extending block 112 has an internal opening and threading to fit around the second screw 104. The frame 114 of the bone fusion device 100 contains a set of holes/conduits 120 within the frame 114 for allowing bone graft material to be inserted. Furthermore, one or more first pins 116 secure the positioning means within the frame 114. One or more second pins 116 in conjunction with one or more pin slots 132 secure the plates 130 to the frame 114.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross sectional view of the bone fusion device 100 with the plates retracted according to some embodiments. When the extending blocks 110 and 112 are positioned in the middle of the positioning means 108 with the first screw 102 and the second screw 104, the plates 130 are positioned within the frame 114 of the bone fusion device 100 with the central ribs 124 slid within the rib slots 126. The retaining groove 106 holds the positioning means 108 in place with one or more first pins 116. The plates 130 are coupled to the frame 114 of the bone fusion device 100 using the one or more slots 132 and the one or more second pins 118 wherein the one or more second pins 118 fit within the one or more slots 132 and are able to travel/slide along the interior of the one or more slots 132.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross sectional view of the bone fusion device 100 with the plates extended according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4A, the bone fusion device 100 is compressed/contracted when the extending blocks 110 and 112 are in the middle of the bone fusion device 100. As a user turns the positioning means 108 via the positioning aperture 134, the extending blocks 110 and 112 gradually move outward from the middle. If the user turns the positioning means 108 in the opposite direction, the extending blocks move back towards the middle. As the extending blocks 110 and 112 are moving outward, the central ribs 124 slide out of the rib slots 126 and the extending blocks 110, 112 push on the plates 130. The plates 130 extend because the extending blocks 110 and 112 exert force against the angled plates 130 outwardly as shown by the arrows 140. When the extending blocks 110 and 112 are positioned near the ends of the bone fusion device 100, the plates 130 extend beyond the frame 114 of the bone fusion device 100 and ultimately secure the bone fusion device 100 between two bones. With the plates 130 coupled to the frame 114 of the bone fusion device 100 by the one or more slots 132 and the one or more second pins 118, the plates 130 are able to extend beyond the frame 114 of the bone fusion device 100 as the one or more second pins 118 travel within the interior of the one or more slots 132.

In operation, the bone fusion device 100 is initially configured in a compact position such that the extending blocks 110, 112 are located in the middle of the bone fusion device 100 thereby allowing the plates 130 to rest within the frame 114 of the bone fusion device 100. The compact bone fusion device 100 is then inserted into position within the patient. The surgeon is able to then the expand the bone fusion device 100 by rotating the positioning means 108 which moves the extending blocks 110, 112 towards the opposing ends of the bone fusion device 100—one near the head of the positioning means 108 and the other towards the tail of the positioning means. As the extending blocks 110, 112 move away from the middle, the plates 130 are pushed outwardly from the pressure of the extending blocks 110, 112 against the angled plates 130. Initially, the central ribs 124 of the plates 130 remain at least partially within the rib slots 126 of the extending blocks 110, 112 such that the blocks 110, 112 are able to resist torsional forces on the plates 130 and/or device 100. Gradually, the central ribs 124 slide out of the rib slots 126 as the extending blocks 110, 112 approach the ends of the positioning means 108. Alternatively, the central ribs 124 are able to be configured such that they remain at least partially within the rib slots 126 as the extending blocks 110, 112 approach the ends of the positioning means 108. Alternatively, the central ribs 124 and/or rib slots 126 are able to be configured such that the central ribs 124 are fully within the rib slots 126, fully removed from the rib slots 126, or somewhere in between at any point along the path of the extending blocks 110, 112 from the center of the device to the ends of the device. Eventually the extending blocks 110, 112 exert a satisfactory force between the extended plates 130 and the bones to be fused. At that point the bone fusion device 100 is able to remain in place. Thereafter, material for fusing the bones together is inserted through the holes and openings 120 within the bone fusion device 100. Alternatively, the insertion of the material for fusing the bones together is able to be omitted.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bone fusion device 500 having a single plate extension/retraction mechanism according to some embodiments. The bone fusion device 500 shown in FIG. 5 is substantially similar to the bone fusion device 100 except for the differences described herein. In particular, the bone fusion device 500 comprises a half frame 514, one or more half extending blocks 510, 512, a plate 530 and positioning means 508. Similar to the bone fusion device 100, the half extending blocks 510, 512 are coupled around the positioning means 508 such that when the positioning means 508 are turned, the blocks 510, 512 move outwards causing the plate 530 to move to the extended position. The half frame 514 comprises a plate aperture (see FIG. 1A) for receiving the plate 530 and a solid floor 538 opposite the plate aperture. In some embodiments, the floor 538 is able to have one or more floor holes/conduits for receiving or distributing grafting material into and out of the device 500. In some embodiments, the device 500 is sized such that when the plate 530 is in the compact/retracted position the distance between the top of the plate 530 and the floor 538 is less than or equal to 5 mm, and when the plate 530 is in the extended position the distance between the top of the plate 530 and the floor 538 is less than or equal to 7 mm. Alternatively, the device 500 is sized such that when the plate 530 is in the compact/retracted position the distance between the top of the plate 530 and the floor 538 is in the range of 5 mm to 13 mm and when the plate 530 is in the extended position the distance between the top of the plate 530 and the floor 538 is in the range of 7 mm to 22 mm. Alternatively, other sizes of the device 500 are contemplated as are well known in the art. Thus, by including only a single plate 530, the height of the device 500 is able to be minimized. As a result, the bone fusion device 500 enables surgeons to use smaller incisions as well as to fit the bone fusion device 500 into smaller places and increasing the versatility of the device 500. Additionally, it should be noted that the single plate extension/retraction mechanism described in FIG. 5 is able to replace each of the dual or multiple plate extension/retraction mechanisms described herein wherein the devices having dual plate extension/retraction mechanisms are essentially halved (except for the positioning means) such that only one plate is remaining.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bone fusion apparatus 600 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 6, the bone fusion apparatus 600 comprises a bone fusion insertion instrument 602 detachably coupled to a bone fusion device 604 via a coupling mechanism 606. In some embodiments, the bone fusion device 604 is substantially similar to the bone fusion device 100 described in FIGS. 1-5. Alternatively, the bone fusion device 604 is able to be other embodiments of bone fusion devices described herein or other types of bone fusion devices as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the other types of bone fusion devices are able to be formed by one or more of polymers, bone, synthetic bone, metal or other biocompatible materials as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism 606 comprises a clamping mechanism. Alternatively, the coupling mechanism 606 is able to comprise any combination of a clamps, screws, locks, adhesives or other attachment elements as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the insertion instrument 602 is able to detachably couple to a plurality of bone fusion devices 604 simultaneously such that the plurality of devices 604 are able to be simultaneously controlled (e.g. extension/contraction of the plates) by the single insertion instrument 602.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the insertion instrument 602 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7, the insertion instrument 602 comprises a head 702 including the coupling mechanism 606 and a cover 710, a shaft 704 having a readout element 706, and a control mechanism 708 coupled to the coupling mechanism 606 through the shaft 704. The head 702 is sized such that the cross-section of the head is smaller than the cross section of the bone fusion device 604. The cover 710 is selectively retractable in order to enable easier/more thorough cleaning of the coupling mechanism 606 after use. Specifically, the cover 710 is able to be extended such that the cover 710 surrounds at least a portion of the coupling mechanism 606 in order to protect the coupling mechanism 606 (see FIG. 8) during operation, as well as being retracted exposing the previously covered portion of the coupling mechanism 606 for cleaning. The shaft 704 comprises a hollow tube that sheaths at least a portion of the control mechanism 708 and the connection of the control mechanism 708 to the coupling mechanism 606.

The readout element 706 is coupled to the control mechanism 708 and/or coupling mechanism 606 such that the readout element 706 is able to track the rotation of the drive mechanism 808 (see FIG. 8) of the coupling mechanism 606 in order to determine the current amount of extension of the plates 130. In some embodiments, the readout element 706 comprises a mechanical scale that mechanically tracks the rotations of the drive mechanism 808 and/or control mechanism 708. Alternatively, the readout element 706 is able to comprise an electronic or other type of scale capable of tracking the rotation of the drive mechanism 808 and/or control mechanism 708. In some embodiments, the readout element 706 comprises a replaceable and/or adjustable scale or other measurement/display device such that the scale is able to be adjusted and/or replaced by another scale based on the bone fusion device 604 to be coupled to the insertion instrument 602. For example, the scale is able to be selected/adjusted based on the amount each turn of the positioning element 108 of the bone fusion device 604 extends one or more of the plates 130. Thus, the readout element 706 provides the benefit of providing accurate readings of the extension amount of various types of bone fusion devices 604 to the users.

The control mechanism 708 is configured to enable a user to remotely attach/detach the coupling mechanism 606 to the bone fusion device 604 as well as remotely rotate the positioning means 108 of the device 604 by controlling the rotation of the drive mechanism 808. In some embodiments, the control mechanism 708 mechanically controls the coupling mechanism 606. For example, a user is able to release the coupling mechanism 606 from the bone fusion device 604 by pushing the control mechanism 708 into the shaft 704 and is able to couple the coupling mechanism 606 to the bone fusion device 604 by pulling out the control mechanism 708 from the shaft 704. Further, as another example, a user is able to rotate the drive mechanism 808 by rotating the control mechanism 708. Alternatively, the control mechanism 708 is able to control the coupling mechanism 606 by any combination of mechanically, pneumatically, electronically and other manners of controlling as are well known in the art. As a result, the control mechanism 708 provides the benefit of enabling a user to remotely control the coupling to the device 604, extension/retraction of the plates, and/or releasing of the device 604.

FIG. 8A illustrates a detailed top view of the coupling mechanism 606 within the cover 710 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the top view of the coupling mechanism 606 is substantially similar to the bottom view such that the coupling mechanism 606 is substantially symmetric. As shown in FIG. 8A, the coupling mechanism 606 comprises one or more fingers 802, one or more finger pins 804, one or more sliding pins 806, a drive mechanism 808 and a body 810. The drive mechanism 808 is coupled through the body 810 to the control mechanism 708. Specifically, the body 810 holds the drive mechanism 808 in place relative to the fingers 802, but enables the drive mechanism 808 to rotate in order to drive the bone fusion device 604 when desired. The fingers 802 are coupled to the body 810 with one or more finger pins 804 such that the fingers 802 are able to rotate about the one or more finger pins 804. In some embodiments, there is one finger pin 804 for each finger 802. The body 810 comprises one or more walls 812 that limit the rotation of the fingers 802 (based on the dimensions of the fingers 802) about the finger pins 804 to a preselected range of angles wherein at the greatest angle the fingers 802 are in an expanded/spread position and at the smallest angle the fingers 802 are in a closed position. In the spread position, the fingertips 904 (see FIG. 9) of the fingers 802 are separated by a distance greater than the distance between the surface of the gripping apertures 128 and/or the channels 122 having the gripping apertures 128. In the closed position, the fingertips 904 are separated by a distance equal to or less than the distance between the surface of the gripping apertures 128 and/or the channels 122 having the gripping apertures 128. Thus, when in the closed position, the fingertips 904 are able to enter the gripping apertures 128 and secure the coupling mechanism 606 to the bone fusion device 604, and when in the spread position, the fingertips 904 are able to be removed from the gripping apertures 128 thereby releasing the coupling mechanism 606 from the device 604. Alternatively, the fingertips 904 are able to be omitted and the separations in the spread and closed positions are determined by the distance between the fingers 802 (without fingertips 904).

The sliding pins 806 are coupled to the cover 710 and cause the fingers 802 to switch between the spread and closed positions as the coupling mechanism 606 is moved out of and into the cover 710 by the control mechanism 708 based on the dimensions of the fingers 802. Specifically, in some embodiments, the sliding pins 806 are positioned adjacent the fingers 802 in the plane of rotation such that when coupling mechanism 606 is retracted into the cover 710 the sliding pins 806 press against an upper portion of the fingers 802 causing them to rotate the fingers 802 to the closed position. Similarly, in some embodiments, when the coupling mechanism 606 is extended out of the cover 710, the sliding pins 806 press against a lower portion of the fingers 802 causing them to rotate the fingers 802 to the spread/open position. Alternatively, the lower and upper portion of the fingers 802 is able to be configured such that the retraction into the cover 710 causes the fingers 802 to switch to the spread position and the extension causes the fingers 802 to switch to the closed position. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism 606 is configured such that the drive mechanism 808 is unable to rotate or otherwise operate unless the fingers 802 are in the closed position. Alternatively, the coupling mechanism 606 is able to comprise a drive mechanism lock (not shown) that enables the user to lock the drive mechanism 808 such that it is unable to rotate or otherwise operate until unlocked.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a finger 802 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9, the finger 802 comprises a body 906, a fingertip 904 and a finger aperture 902. In some embodiments, the finger 802 comprises one or more additional fingertips 904 and/or finger apertures 902. The finger aperture 902 is sized to receive a finger pin 804 in order to couple the finger 802 to the body 810 while enabling the finger 802 to rotate about the finger pin 804 as described above. The fingertip 904 protrudes from the body 906 such that the fingertip 904 is able to enter a gripping aperture 128. In some embodiments, the fingertip 904 comprises a beveled edge in order to facilitate the alignment and insertion of the fingertip 904 into the gripping aperture 128. As shown, the body 906 of the finger 802 comprises one or more bends 908 that (along with the walls 812) determine the extent at which the finger 802 is able to rotate about the finger pin 804. In some embodiments, each bend 908 corresponds to a desired position of the finger/fingertips 802, 904. Alternatively, the finger 802 is able to be substantially straight wherein the sliding pins 806 are able to move in order to change the angle of the fingers 802. Thus, the coupling mechanism 606 provides the advantage of enabling a user to easily control the position of the fingers 802 between an open and closed position, wherein the closed position secures the insertion instrument 602 to the bone fusion device 604 to prevent accidental slippage.

FIG. 8B illustrates a detailed top view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling mechanism 606 within the cover 710. The coupling mechanism 606 shown in FIG. 8B is able to be substantially similar to the other coupling mechanism except for the differences described herein. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, the coupling mechanism 606 comprises a body 810 having one or more fingers 802 that extend from the body 810, one or more outer sliding pins 806A and one or more inner sliding pins 806B. The outer and inner sliding pins 806A, 806B are coupled to the cover 710 and cause the fingers 802 to switch between the spread and closed positions based on the dimensions of the finger walls 807A, 807B as the coupling mechanism 606 is moved out of and into the cover 710 by the control mechanism 708. In particular, as the coupling mechanism 606 is moved out of the cover 710, the inner sliding pins 806B slide between and press against the inner finger walls 807B causing the inner finger walls 807B and thus the fingers 802 to separate. Conversely, as the coupling mechanism 606 is moved into the cover 710, the outer sliding pins 806A slide onto and press against the outer finger walls 807A causing the outer finger wall 807A and thus the fingers 802 to come together or close. As a result, by selectively moving the coupling mechanism 606 with respect to the cover 710 a user is able to selectively open and close the fingers 802 as desired.

In some embodiments, the fingers 802 are able to be biased in the open position such that as they move out of the cover 710 they spread automatically and the inner sliding pins 806B are able to be omitted. Alternatively, the fingers 802 are able to be biased in the closed position such that as they move into the cover 710 they close automatically and the outer sliding pins 806A are able to be omitted. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism 606 is configured such that the drive mechanism 808 is unable to rotate or otherwise operate unless the fingers 802 are in the closed position. Alternatively, the coupling mechanism 606 is able to comprise a drive mechanism lock (not shown) that enables the user to lock the drive mechanism 808 such that it is unable to rotate or otherwise operate until unlocked.

A method of operation of the bone fusion apparatus 600 according to some embodiments will now be discussed in conjunction with the flow chart shown in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, one or more of the steps are able to be omitted. A user causes the fingers 802 to spread with the control mechanism 708 at the step 1002. In some embodiments, the fingers 802 are spread by pulling back on the control mechanism 708. Alternatively, the fingers 802 are able to be spread with other physical manipulations of the control mechanism 708 as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the manner in which the control mechanism 708 causes spreading/closing of the fingers 802 is automated. Alternatively, the manner in which the control mechanism 708 causes spreading/closing of the fingers 802 is manual. The user slides the fingers 802 into the channels 122 of the bone fusion device 604 and the drive mechanism 808 into the positioning aperture 134 at the step 1004. In some embodiments, the sliding of the fingers 802 into the channels 122 and the drive mechanism 808 into the positioning aperture 134 occurs concurrently or simultaneously. The user causes the fingers 802 to close with the control mechanism 708 such that the fingertips 904 slide into the gripping apertures 128 of the channels 122 thereby detachably coupling the insertion instrument 602 to the bone fusion device 604 at the step 1006. In some embodiments, the fingers 802 are closed by pushing in on the control mechanism 708. Alternatively, the fingers 802 are able to be spread with other physical manipulations of the control mechanism 708 as are well known in the art. The user positions the bone fusion device 604 to the desired position within the patient with the insertion instrument 602 at the step 1008. In some embodiments, the desired position comprises replacing a spinal disc with the bone fusion device 604 in between two vertebrae. Alternatively, the desired position is able to comprise replacing a degenerated vertebrae with the bone fusion device 604 in between the two adjacent vertebrae and/or spinal discs. Alternatively, the insertion instrument 602 is able to be used to position other types of spinal devices such as a dynamic device, a total/partial artificial disc, a nucleus pulposus or other medical devices as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the bone fusion device 604 is inserted anteriorly. Alternatively, the bone fusion device 604 is able to be inserted posteriorly, laterally or transforaminaly.

The user causes the drive mechanism 808 to rotate the positioning means 108 with the control mechanism 708 in order to extend the plates 130 as desired at the step 1010. In some embodiments, the user rotates the drive mechanism 808 in order to rotate the positioning means 108. Alternatively, the user is able to otherwise manipulate the control mechanism 708 in order to rotate the drive mechanism 808. In some embodiments, the manner in which the control mechanism 708 causes the rotation of the drive mechanism 808 is automated. Alternatively, the manner in which the control mechanism 708 causes the rotation of the drive mechanism 808 is manual. In some embodiments, the readout 706 displays and dynamically adjusts a measurement of the amount of the current expansion of the plates 130 outside of the frame 114 as the control mechanism 708 rotates the drive mechanism 808. In some embodiments, the readout or indicator 706 comprises an adjustable and/or removable scale. In some embodiments, the scale is able to be attached and/or adjusted based on the bone fusion device 604 such that the readout 706 outputs accurate readings of the expansion amount of the plates 130. In some embodiments, the measurement of the amount of current expansion of the plates 130 outside of the frame 114 comprises the amount of rotations of the drive mechanism 808 in one or more directions since the drive mechanism 808 was inserted into the positioning aperture. The user spreads the fingers 802 with the control mechanism 708 thereby removing the fingertips 904 from the gripping apertures 128 and slides the drive mechanism 808 out of the positioning aperture 134 and the fingers 802 out of the channels 122 at the step 1012. The user then removes the insertion instrument 602 from the patient leaving the bone fusion device 604 to fuse with the surrounding bone during the healing process at the step 1014. As a result, the method of operating the bone fusion apparatus 600 enables the surgeon to securely position the bone fusion device 604 and extend the plates 130 as needed with minimal possibility of the drive mechanism 808 slipping out of the positioning aperture 134. Specifically, by coupling the fingertips 904 within the gripping apertures 128 and the fingers 802 within the channels 122, the insertion instrument 602 is prevented from being pulled, pushed or twisted away from the bone fusion device 604. Thus, the procedure is made both safer and more efficient.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bone fusion device 1100 having a rachet mechanism according to some embodiments. The bone fusion device 1100 shown in FIG. 11 is able to be substantially similar to the other bone fusion devices except for the differences described herein. In particular, the bone fusion device 1100 comprises a body 1102, a positioning means 1104 and a rachet mechanism including a pawl 1106 and one or more gear teeth 1108 on the perimeter of the positioning means 1104. As shown in FIG. 11, the pawl 1106 is positioned within a cavity 1110 of the body 1102 that is adjacent to the positioning means 1104 such that the arm of the pawl 1106 is able to abut or be in communication with the one or more gear teeth 1108. As a result, the pawl 1106 is able to permit the positioning means 1104 to rotate in one direction while preventing the positioning means 1104 from rotating back in the opposite direction. Specifically, the size and/or angles of the gear teeth 1108 are able to be adjusted such that as the positioning means 1104 rotate in a first direction the pawl 1106 is able to slide over the gear teeth 1108 due to the angle of the pawl 1106 and/or the angle of a first side of the gear teeth 1108. Contrarily, if the positioning means 1104 starts to rotate in a second or opposite direction the pawl 1106 is unable to slide over the gear teeth 1108 due to the angle of the pawl 1106 and/or the angle of a second or opposite side of the gear teeth 1108 thereby stopping or preventing the rotation of the positioning means in the second or opposite direction. As a result, the bone fusion device 1100 having a rachet mechanism provides the benefit of ensuring that the tabs stay in place when extended because the rachet mechanism prevents them from retracting.

In some embodiments, the rachet mechanism comprises a release mechanism (not shown) that when activated separates or changes the dynamic of the pawl 1106 and the gear teeth 1108 such that the positioning means 1104 is able to rotate in the second or opposite direction without being stopped by the pawl 1106. Alternatively, the angle of the pawl 1106 and/or gear teeth 1108 of the rachet mechanism are able to be configured such that with a desired force F the positioning means 1104 is able to be rotated in the second or opposite direction despite the presence of the pawl 1106. In particular, the desired force F is able to be greater than the maximum force that would occur on the tabs within a patient after implantation such that the rotation in the second direction would only occur if the surgeon needed to rotate the positioning means 1104 in that direction. In some embodiments, the pawl 1106 comprises nitinol or stainless steel. Alternatively, the pawl 1106 is able to comprise other types of suitable materials as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the first direction of rotation corresponds to the direction required to extend the tabs of the device 1100 and the second direction corresponds to the direction required to retract the tabs of the device. Alternatively, the first direction is able to correspond to the direction required to retract the tabs of the device 1100 and the second direction corresponds to the direction required to extend the tabs of the device.

FIG. 12A illustrates a cross sectional view of a bone fusion device 1200 having a lock mechanism according to some embodiments. The bone fusion device 1200 shown in FIG. 12A is able to be substantially similar to the other bone fusion devices except for the differences described herein. In particular, the bone fusion device 1200 comprises a body 1202, a positioning means 1204 and a lock mechanism including a collar 1206 and a choke 1208. As shown in FIG. 12B, the collar 1206 has a thick end 1205, a narrow end 1207 and a gap 1210 and the choke 1208 is configured to fit around the narrow end 1207 of the collar 1206. As a result, if the choke 1208 is pushed or otherwise forced down on the collar 1206 towards the thick end 1205, it causes the gap 1210 of the collar 1206 to contract thereby continually reducing the circumference of the collar 1206 as it moves until the gap 1210 is gone. Similarly, if the choke 1208 is moved back toward the narrow end 1207 of the collar 1206, the gap 1210 is able to continually increase up to its original size increasing the circumference of the collar 1206 as permitted by the inner circumference of the choke 1208. As shown in FIG. 12A, the lock mechanism 1206, 1208 is positioned around the end of the positioning means 1204 within an aperture at an end of the body 1202. As a result, when the choke 1208 causes the circumference of the collar 1206 to reduce, it causes the collar 1206 to provide a choking force on the positioning means 1204 such that the positioning means 1204 are unable to rotate due to the friction between the collar 1206 and the surface of the positioning means 1204. As a result, the lock mechanism is able to provide the benefit of enabling the positioning means and thus the tabs to be locked in place thereby reducing the risk of the tabs undesirably retracting.

In some embodiments, the choke 1208 has threading 1212 that corresponds to threading of the body 1202 such that if the choke 1208 is rotated the threading 1212 causes the choke 1208 to move further in or out of the aperture of the body 1202 and thereby move with respect to the collar 1206 in order to lock or unlock the positioning means 1204 as described above. In such embodiments, the choke 1208 is able to have one or more cutouts 1214 for receiving a tool for rotating the choke 1208. Alternatively, the threading 1212 is able to act as “snap-fit” stops or ridges/valleys that correspond to ridges/valleys of the body 1202 such that if the choke 1208 is pushed further into the aperture of the body 1202 and toward the thick end 1205 of the collar 1206, the ridges of the threading 1212 compress and then spring/snap into the valleys of the body 1202 thereby preventing the choke 1208 from being forced back away from end thick end 1205 of the collar 1206. In some embodiments, the thickness of the collar 1206 gradually changes from the narrow end 1207 to the thick end 1205. Alternatively, the thickness of the collar 1206 is able to change in one or more increments. For example, the thickness is able to remain substantially constant until the next increment is reached.

FIGS. 13A-F illustrate a bone fusion device 1300 having an oblong lock mechanism according to some embodiments. The bone fusion device 1300 shown in FIGS. 13A-F is able to be substantially similar to the other bone fusion devices except for the differences described herein. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, which illustrate side cross sectional and frontal views respectively, the bone fusion device 1300 comprises a body 1302, positioning means 1304 within the body 1203 and an oblong locking member 1306 surrounding one end of the positioning means 1304 and having one or more bumps 1316. The body 1302 comprises an aperture 1308 for receiving the positioning means 1304 and the locking member 1306, wherein the aperture 1308 includes one or more notches 1312 that are able to selectively receive the one or more bumps 1316. In particular, as shown in FIG. 13B, the aperture 1308 is oblong such that it has a short side 1310A and a long side 1310B that correspond to a short side 1314A and long side 1314B of the oblong locking member 1306.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 13D, the oblong locking member 1306 is able to be rotated into a “locked” position where the short side 1314A of the locking member 1306 is positioned within the long side 1310B of the aperture 1308 and the long side 1314B of the locking member 1306 is positioned within the short side 1310A of the aperture 1308. In this locked position, the positioning means 1304 will be unable to rotate freely as pressure is applied to the positioning means 1304 by the long side 1314B of the locking member 1306 in the direction indicated by the arrow because the long side 1314B is under compression by the short side 1310A of the aperture 1308. In particular, the force applied to the positioning means 1304 by the locking member 1306 in the locked position increases the friction between the positioning means 1304 and the locking member 1306 such that the positioning means 1304 is unable to rotate. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 13C, the oblong locking member 1306 is able to be rotated into an “unlocked” position where the short side 1314A of the locking member 1306 is positioned within the short side 1310A of the aperture 1308 and the long side 1314B of the locking member 1306 is positioned within the long side 1310B of the aperture 1308. In this “unlocked” position, the positioning means 1304 will be able to rotate freely as little or no pressure is applied to the positioning means 1304 by the locking member 1306 because the locking member 1306 is not under compression by the aperture 1308. As a result, the lock mechanism is able to provide the benefit of enabling the positioning means and thus the tabs to be locked in place thereby reducing the risk of the tabs undesirably retracting.

In some embodiments, the oblong locking member 1306 comprises PEEK. Alternatively, the oblong locking member 1306 is able to comprise other types of biocompatible materials that are flexible such that they are able to be compressed and apply a stopping force to the positioning means 1304. In some embodiments, the notches 1312 and the bumps 1316 are configured such that one or more of the bumps 1316 slide into the notches 1312 when the oblong locking member 1306 is in either the locked or unlocked positions. In particular, in such embodiments the bumps 1316 and notches 1312 are able to provide an indication that the locking member 1306 has been fully rotated in the locked or unlocked position as well as preventing the oblong locking member 1306 from slipping out of the locked or unlocked position. In some embodiments, the oblong locking member 1306 comprising one or more apertures that facilitate the rotation of the locking member 1306 by a tool or user.

FIGS. 13E and 13F illustrate an alternate embodiment of the bone fusion device 1300 having the oblong locking mechanism according to some embodiments. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 13E and 13F, the aperture 1308 and the oblong locking member 1306 are ovular such that they each have a short dimension 1318A, 1320A and a long dimension 1318B, 1320B. As a result, when rotated into a “locked” position as shown in FIG. 13F, the positioning means 1304 is unable to rotate freely as pressure is applied to the positioning means 1304 from both sides along the long dimension 1318B of the locking member 1306 in the direction indicated by the arrows because the long dimension 1318B is under compression by the short dimension 1320A of the aperture 1308. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 13E, the oblong locking member 1306 is able to be rotated into an “unlocked” position where the short dimension 1318A of the locking member 1306 is positioned within the short dimension 1320A of the aperture 1308 and the long dimension 1318B of the locking member 1306 is positioned within the long dimension 1320B of the aperture 1308. Like in FIG. 13C, in this “unlocked” position the positioning means 1304 will be able to rotate freely as little or no pressure is applied to the positioning means 1304 by the locking member 1306 because the locking member 1306 is not under compression by the aperture 1308. In some embodiments, the aperture 1308 comprises one or more notches 1312 that are configured such that ends of the long dimension 1318B slide into the notches 1312 when the oblong locking member 1306 is in the locked positions. In particular, in such embodiments the notches 1312 are able to provide an indication that the locking member 1306 has been fully rotated in the locked or unlocked position as well as preventing the oblong locking member 1306 from slipping out of the locked or unlocked position. Alternatively, the oblong locking member 1306 is able to comprise on or more bumps 1316 for sliding into the notches 1312 in addition to or in lieu of the ends of the long dimension 1318B. As a result, the lock mechanism is able to provide the benefit of enabling the positioning means and thus the tabs to be locked in place thereby reducing the risk of the tabs undesirably retracting.

The embodiments of the lock mechanism described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 11-13 are examples of particular lock mechanisms. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, other appropriate lock mechanisms are able to be utilized within the bone fusion device described herein, to keep the rotatable fastener from moving.

Thus, the bone fusion device, apparatus and method described herein has numerous advantages. Specifically, the fingers and fingertips coupled to the channels having gripping apertures ensure the non-slippage of the driving mechanism during the operation of the bone fusion apparatus. Further, the lock mechanism is able to provide the benefit of enabling the positioning means and thus the tabs to be locked in place thereby reducing the risk of the tabs undesirably retracting. Moreover, the small size of the single plate embodiments enables the use of smaller incisions and a more compact design. Also, as mentioned above, the method of use requires only a small incision and minimally invasive surgical procedure advantageously promoting health and rapid recovery by the patient. Indeed, bone growth occurs around the bone fusion device and particularly at the locations of the extended plates, such that the bone fusion device is further secured by the bone growth, which further promotes a superior, robust bone fusion result.

The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modification may be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it should be noted that although the above bone fusion devices are described in reference to a pair of extending blocks, a pair of screws, and wherein each plate is shaped such that the ends are larger than the middle, and the size of the plate gradually increases while going from the middle to the ends, the use of a single extending block in the above embodiments is contemplated. Specifically, if using a single extending block, the above embodiments would operate the same except the positioning means would comprise a single screw that when engaged would cause the single extending block to move from one end of the screw to the other end thereby exerting a force against the plates such that they move into the extended position. In such embodiments, each plate is shaped such that one end is larger than the opposite end, and the size of the plate gradually increases going from the smaller end to the larger end. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operation of a bone fusion system, the method comprising: a. spreading fingers of an insertion instrument with a control mechanism of the insertion instrument, wherein one or more of the fingers comprise a fingertip that protrudes laterally from the finger; b. sliding the fingers of the insertion instrument into one or more surface channels of a fusion body of a bone fusion device and inserting a drive mechanism of the insertion instrument into a positioning aperture of a positioning element of the bone fusion device, wherein each of the surface channels comprise a gripping aperture positioned within the surface channels for receiving the fingertip of the fingers and the fusion body has a front end and an interior cavity, and further wherein the channels are accessible from the front end and extend through a plane perpendicular to the front end; c. contracting the fingers with the control mechanism such that the fingertips of the fingers move into gripping apertures of the surface channels and the insertion instrument is detachably coupled with the bone fusion device; and d. positioning the bone fusion device into a desired position with the insertion instrument.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising extending one or more extendable tabs of the bone fusion device by manipulating the control mechanism of the insertion instrument, wherein the control mechanism is mechanically coupled with the drive mechanism.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: a. spreading the fingers with the control mechanism such that the fingertips of the fingers move out of the gripping apertures of the surface channels; and b. sliding the fingers out of the surface channels of the bone fusion device and removing the drive mechanism from within the positioning aperture.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein controlling the spreading the fingers comprises pulling or pushing the control mechanism in or out of a shaft of the insertion instrument.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein extending the extendable tabs comprises rotating the control mechanism with respect to the fingers of the insertion instrument.
 6. The method of claim 2, further comprising displaying data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the drive mechanism with an indicator on the insertion instrument.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the data indicated by the indicator indicates the current position of the tabs relative to the body of the bone fusion device.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the indicator is adjustable such that the indicator will indicate different data corresponding to the same amount of rotation of the drive mechanism based on the bone fusion device currently coupled to the insertion instrument.
 9. The method of claim 2, wherein the surface channels are configured to receive the fingers and positioned along an exterior surface of the body.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the positioning element is positioned through the front end and within the interior cavity of the body, and further wherein the positioning element is mechanically coupled with the extendable tabs such that moving the positioning element causes the extendable tabs to move with respect to the body.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the surface channels are positioned along the exterior surface of the body on a plane perpendicular to the positioning aperture of the positioning element such that the fingers of the gripping apparatus are able to slide into the one or more surface channels by moving parallel to the plane.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the insertion instrument is configured to prevent rotation of the drive mechanism if the fingers are not fully contracted.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the insertion instrument comprises a locking mechanism that when activated by a trigger prevents rotation of the drive mechanism until the locking mechanism is deactivated by the trigger.
 14. An insertion instrument for inserting a bone fusion device into a desired location, the instrument comprising: a. an elongated body; and b. a coupling mechanism partially housed by the elongated body and having a control mechanism, a plurality of blocking bodies, a plurality of pins and a plurality of fingers, wherein each of the plurality of fingers is configured to pivot about one of the pins in order to move between a closed position wherein the fingers are close together to a spread position, wherein the fingers are caused to pivot about the pins by the blocking bodies providing a force against angled sides of the fingers as the fingers are slid against the blocking bodies moved based on manipulation of the control mechanism.
 15. The instrument of claim 14, wherein one or more of the fingers comprise a fingertip that protrudes laterally from the finger.
 16. The instrument of claim 14, further comprising a drive mechanism mechanically coupled with the control mechanism and configured to rotate with respect to the elongated body.
 17. The instrument of claim 16, wherein the control mechanism enables selective rotation of the drive mechanism.
 18. The instrument of claim 17, further comprising a stopping mechanism that is configured to prevent rotation of the drive mechanism if the fingers are not in the closed position.
 19. The instrument of claim 17, further comprising a locking mechanism that when activated by a trigger prevents rotation of the drive mechanism until the locking mechanism is deactivated by the trigger.
 20. The instrument of claim 16, further comprising an indicator that indicates data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the drive mechanism.
 21. The instrument of claim 20, wherein the data indicated by the indicator indicates the current position of extendable tabs of a bone fusion device coupled to the insertion instrument relative to a body of the bone fusion device.
 22. The instrument of claim 21, wherein the indicator is adjustable such that the indicator will indicate different data corresponding to the same amount of rotation of the drive mechanism based on the bone fusion device currently coupled to the insertion instrument. 